Scoring breakdown

Proton's S16 small car has a straightforward sales pitch: it's the cheapest sedan money can buy in Australia - by a significant margin.

Its $11,990 (plus on-road costs) price tag undercuts Holden's Korean-made Barina sedan, which costs $16,290, the Toyota Yaris sedan, which starts from $18,840, and the Thai-built Honda City, which has a get-in price of $19,490. To put the price in historical perspective, a Ford Laser automatic cost $11,444 in 1985.

So far, it appears Proton's pitch is working. The S16 has become the standout model in Proton's range, accounting for two out of every three cars sold by the company since the car's launch in November.

While in percentage terms the result appears impressive, it's actually a reflection of the bit part the brand plays in the local car industry. Last year it sold 1635 cars - Toyota sold more Prados in December alone.

But the Malaysian brand has mapped out an aggressive expansion policy for Australia and the S16 is at the vanguard of the attack.